Ketamine use by females, students increases: FDA

Staff writer, with CNA

The number of cases involving females and young students using ketamine, a third-grade contraband drug, saw a huge increase last year, according to a survey released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A total of 901 cases of ketamine use were reported by health institutions nationwide last year, up about 45 times from the numbers recorded in 2002, with young people aged between 18 and 23 making up 20 percent of the cases, the agency said.

Although males still account for a majority of the cases involving the abuse of controlled drugs in Taiwan, the male-to-female ratio has changed from 3.3:1 in 2011 to 3:1 last year, it said.

The survey showed that drug dealers usually sell controlled substances at clubs or karaoke bars, which young people are more likely to visit during the summer.

According to local media reports, ketamine is being increasingly used on school campuses, undermining the health of students.

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